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To empower, educate and connect people living without both arms or more

June 2024 Newsletter

Faces of ESFL

Meet Ana Calvo

in our June Spotlight

Ana Calvo was born in El Salvador with a congenital limb difference. She was born without arms and no legs below the knee. Her parents were unaware of her limb difference until her birth and the doctors felt unprepared to treat her. They were unsure of what her quality of life would be like, and some even said that she may not survive. Her parents moved to the United States looking for better care and support. They found just that in Houston, Texas at Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.


Read more about Ana by clicking here >>>


*Each month, we will highlight people in our community. Email and tell us whose story we should share!

Message from the Executive Director

Summer in the Northern Hemisphere is upon us. Which means it is Winter for our friends in the Southern Hemisphere. Wherever you are, we hope your June is an enjoyable one.


The numbers are in! Since the Hands Free Catalog was released two months ago, it has been opened almost 1,400 times and has reached people in over 35 countries. Please keep sharing to your private profiles, public profiles, support groups... help it reach those who would benefit from knowing it exists.

Resources For You

The No White Flags Project is a non-profit providing free bidets and body-dryers to those in need. Contact them today to start the process. Starting in July will be placing a recurring section at the bottom of our newsletter reminding people of various resources our community should be aware of and definitely take advantage of.

Coming Up...

The Annual Board of Directors Meeting is coming up on June 25 and Andy's Rock & Bowl Fundraiser is quickly approaching as well. Mark your calendars for September 27-29. Apply today for your scholarship to attend. One lucky recipient will receive a scholarship AND a bowling attachment thanks to a grant from Dralla Foundation (restrictions apply, see application for details).


Keep scrolling for additional information and the latest updates from ESFL.


Warm regards,

Latest News, Tips & Resources

Get Involved with ESFL


Strategic Planning

We are looking for people who might be interested in getting more involved. Our BOD has put together a list of our top priorities and we need your help moving them forward. Contact us to learn more about how you can help.


SFL 7 Planning Committee

We are in need of volunteers for the Skills for Life 7 planning committee, contact us today if you are interested in being part of the process. Planning will begin October 2024.

ESFL Zooms

Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 23 at 5pm mountain/6pm central. We are working on a routine schedule, for example, the fourth Sunday of every month at 6pm central. These will be Monthly Support Zooms and "No Topic off Limits" be the theme moving forward. The conversation can be ADL's, coping resources, grief, adjusting to your new normal, educational resources, peer support, you name it, the meeting will go in the direction the attendees choose.


Use the below link to join the Zoom:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/97649737361



If you have an idea or request for a topic, please contact us!

Sunday, June 23 @5pm mountain/

6pm central

Don't forget... ESFL is holding its 2024 Annual Meeting on June 25th at 4pm central. Make plans to join us! We will share what have been up to since last years Annual Meeting as well as the exciting things we have in store for next year.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/94643675748?pwd=ZzRzR3Q5cXBPbFJYWmJEeHd5QzFVdz09

June 25

@4pm central

Upcoming Events & Programs

Jan-Sept

various

Camp NO LIMITS


Camps for children with limb difference and their families. Many locations and dates to choose from.

Website

Various Cities/States

Jul

8-10

3rd US Adaptive Open Golf Championship


Jennifer Griffin, John & Julie Dombo will be attending the US Adaptive Open as spectators. They will be cheering on Brandon Canesi who is competing at the championship. We would love to get our community more involved in this event in 2025. Stay tuned!

Website

Newton, KS

Aug

8-10

Amputee Coalition National Conference


Elizabeth Zweigel will be organizing an ESFL get together for anyone traveling to Atlanta for the AC national conference in August. Stay tuned for day/time.

Website

Atlanta, GA

Aug

12-15

MEC Symposium


Educational seminar for clinicians, researchers, engineers, manufacturers involved or interested in upper limb prosthetic rehabilitation.

Website

Fredericton, NB, CANADA

Sept

27-29

Andy Mattox's 2nd Annual Rock & Bowl Fundraiser


See website for scholarship application and details about the weekend.

Website

Medina, OH

Get Involved!


Thank you to those who contacted us over the past few months! We are still looking for help, so let us know  if you have time, experience, resources, or referrals/connections with any of the below.

  • SFL 7 Planning Committee


ESFL Resources

Donate Today!

Meet Our Team

Change a Life, Donate Today



The Skills for Life workshop was developed in 2002 with a specific focus on people living without both arms or more and the unique set of circumstances they face on a daily basis. The nonprofit was founded in 2017 to ensure we could continue supporting the members of our community with programs, events, resources, and connections. Please click the Venmo or PayPal donate buttons in this section to donate. PayPal allows you to donate via your account or with a credit card. Venmo requires you to have an account. Donations can also be made via check, payable to Enhancing Skills for Life, 16111 Park Center Dr, Houston, TX 77059.


Any and all donations, large or small, are greatly appreciated! 

Enhancing Skills for Life, 501c3 Tax ID: 81-2619137. 

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